Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Summer

~ Siwenday, 30th of Maius, 11831 ~

In the weeks since Cordelia and Síofra had gone out into the woods together Delia was flourishing. She smiled, was closer with Síofra and Elizabeth, and got up to eat meals and ate heartily. She finally glowed with happiness. But when Perdy asked her what had happened Delia only said that they had walked about the forests and tried to find a way into Faery, but it had not been possible. Yet the experience had changed her.

Perdita walked between Cordelia and Síofra, holding her dear friend by the arm, and not touching the fay girl (though not excluding her). She had no hatred or dislike of her, or her bestia, but knew to be wary with what they could do. And she did not quite trust her and what had happened to her master and now her mistress.

"I think I will be going back to Folia," Cordelia was saying. "Renaud, forgive me Síofra for bringing him up, has written to me that he is well at home, but I want to keep an eye on him. And with the plague being here, though I am glad His Grace has it under control, I would feel safer for Arielle and myself if we went away for a time. I will return in a few weeks, of course, when things have settled some."

"When shall we pack?"

"Oh, Perdy, dear, I want this to be a vacation for you as well! Stay, flirt with the duc-to-be, have him ask for your hand soon!"

"You know I cannot bring it up," Perdita replied, scandalized.

"Then I will do it for you! Síofra, let us come up with a way to make Charlot propose."

"Non!"

Cordelia laughed at her predicament and Perdita could not help but find joy at her friend's mirth, even if it was at her expense.

"Tell him it is unlucky to court a woman for more than a turn of seasons without making his intentions clear."

"Is that true, Síofra?"

"No, but he does not know that!"

At this they all laughed.

They continued down to one of the open patios, wishing to have tea together on this sunny day, and on the way they found His Grace and Elizabeth.

"Lady Cordelia," Pierre said, offering his hand to her and giving her his full attention. "Elizabeth was just telling me that you are doing much better, and I am truly grateful for it. May I help you in any way?"

"You already have so much," she said. "Forgive me, I have been absent often as of late, and it is not polite as one of the ladies of your court. You and the staff have been so patient—"

"My dear after everything that has happened—"

"Still, I cannot forget my duties," she finished for him. "I am going to retreat to Folia soon, and I will keep an eye on my brother-in-law. I will write you should anything seem odd or out of characters, or, frankly, in character but still unsettling."

"Then I thank you for your assistance, Lady Cordelia," he said. "Please, before you go, allow me to examine you and see that you are in good health to travel. I would not wish for your humors to fall out of alignment even through such a short trip."

"After tea? Or, better yet, come join us!"

***
~ Iunday, 8th of Juvenis, 11831 ~

Things settled for the summer. Bastien had his eleventh birthday on the 2nd of Juvenis, and his mother Maiolaine her 30th four days after. Cordelia traveled to Folia, promising to keep in touch with Perdita, Lizzy, and Síofra, and too with Pierre, as a means to keep an eye on Renaud and Frederick. Aimé decided he had had enough time away from his wife and son, and left the duchy in Pierre's hands, promising to return if he was needed. The clinic kept busy, but the hospital was at full capacity again and welcoming anyone who needed aid. There were even small pitchers of chilled milk and honey at the reception for the fay, or any child who wished something sweet while waiting and felt unwell.